Helping Aluminum Live Up to Its Promise.

Helping Aluminum Live Up to Its Promise.

Aluminum-frame trailers may be more expensive than steel-frame models, but they make up the difference in many ways. They’re lighter, so you can pay less for fuel or load more cargo. They’re flexible, so dings and dents are easy to fix. They’re strong enough to carry all but the heaviest of loads.

Finally, their rust-resistant qualities give them a head start on a long life, retaining much of their value for years to come. With a little help from you, they can be one of the soundest investments you’ve ever made.

Here are three tips for keeping all the above-mentioned aluminum trailer benefits for a long, enjoyable time.

Regularly Clean Your Trailer.

Carefully remove any dirt, grease, or debris. At first, this may seem less imperative with aluminum, which usually does a great job of protecting itself. Whereas steel rusts when exposed to oxygen, aluminum instantly forms a thin, protective oxide layer. As luck would have it, that oxide layer takes on the same blueish-grey hue of the aluminum beneath it.

However, aluminum can still be damaged by certain types of contaminants. This is especially true in a horse and livestock trailer. If you own one, you’ll also want to wash all waste and urine off your floor. It’s highly corrosive. Fortunately, aluminum decks are easy to hose off, especially if they tilt. Farm animals aren’t the only corrosion risks a trailer can carry. For example, concrete has a pH value of 12.5 to 13.5, so it’s alkaline enough to cause surface pitting. Aluminum trailers can also corrode after they’re exposed to moisture and road salt.

Keep It Dry and Check for Damage.

After cleaning, be sure to dry all surfaces completely before you tackle any maintenance tasks like applying wax or touch-up paint. Although corrosion can pose a threat to aluminum, it is notably less than the threat steel trailers face. But you’ll still have to check for grease, dirt, and debris and ensure your trailer fully dries off after cleaning.

As you dry your trailer, inspect it for any damage. Check the frame, axles, runners, and wiring areas for signs of wear and tear or cracks. If you notice any issues, it’s best to get them fixed as soon as you can. Taking care of small problems right away saves you the expense and trouble of fixing extensive damage later.

Grease the Wheel Bearings and Hinges

If you have an aluminum trailer, you’ll want to keep your hinges lubricated. It's important to grease the wheel bearings and other moving parts of your trailer regularly. Reducing resistance and preventing friction will inhibit rust and ensure everything runs smoothly.

Thinking Aluminum? Think of Flaman.

If you’re considering buying an aluminum-frame trailer, there’s a good chance its rust-resistance weighed into your decision. That quality yields a lot of desirable benefits, including longevity, like-new looks and higher resale value.

Would you like to get all those benefits in an aluminum trailer that meets your requirements and fits into your budget? Call or visit your nearest Flaman Trailers location. There are 12 of them across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Our wide selection of aluminum models includes enclosed cargo trailers and utility trailers with single or tandem axles.

Talk to our trailer experts about the right unit for your needs, including customization, financing, and rental options. Of course, our certified service is always ready with inspection, repairs, and maintenance to keep you on the road for years to come.